November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

By: Mrs. Brenda Fleischmann

In today’s society fewer Americans are smoking and lung cancer rates are declining, yet the disease remains the number one cause of cancer death. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and reminds us that we have more to do to prevent lung cancer.

About 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. each year, and more than 155,000 men and women are expected to die of the disease. In Tennessee alone, an estimated 5,830 will be diagnosed and 4,590 will die of lung cancer this year. The biggest way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to never smoke. Smoking is responsible for about 80 percent of lung cancer cases in the U.S. Although smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, or occupational exposure to certain toxic substances or radiation may also increase your risk.

Lung cancer symptoms, including a persistent cough, constant chest pain, hoarseness lasting a long time or shortness of breath, don’t usually occur until the disease has progressed. If you are or were a long-time smoker, talk to a health care professional about the pros and cons of low-dose spiral CT screening, which can detect lung cancer at earlier stages, when successful treatment is more likely.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but a health care professional can connect you to resources to help you quit. Visit www.preventcancer.org/lungcancer to learn more.

Brenda Fleischmann is the spouse of Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN, 3rd) and is a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.

Veterans Small Business Week (November 4-8, 2019)

By Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Veterans have a big impact on the American economy.

There are 2.5 million veteran-owned business in the United States that account for more than $1.1 trillion in revenue.

In Iowa, there are 26,119 veteran owned businesses that employ 51,801 people and bring in $10.9 million.

Iowa is working hard to attract veterans and help them start and expand their businesses.

I honor these hard working entrepreneurs who have served our country by joining my colleagues in recognizing the week of November 4 as ‘‘National Veterans Small Business Week.”

National Chocolate Day (October 28)

The Story of Chocolate
Source: National Confectioners Association
October 28, 2019
The treat that now lies quietly in its wrapper carries a story of exotic places, long journeys and small families that raise delicate tropical fruit trees. As you peel back the wrapper, you’re uncovering the cacao tree’s seed—and joining people the world over who have turned to this mysterious food for ritual, medicine and sheer pleasure for the past 4,000 years.

How do the beans in chocolate farmers’ hands become decadent sweets in yours? Let’s explore how chocolate is made…the story of chocolate.

Read more...

National Save For Retirement Week (Oct 18-24)

National Save for Retirement Week is a national effort to raise public awareness about the importance of saving for retirement. National Save for Retirement Week is held every year during the third week of October. The week provides an opportunity for employees to reflect on their personal retirement goals and determine if they are on target to reach those goals.

National Save for Retirement Week commenced in 2006, when Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) introduced the first resolution establishing National Save for Retirement Week. Their goals were to elevate public knowledge about retirement savings and to encourage employees to save and participate in their employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Over the years, ICMA-RC has partnered with the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators to ensure that the week is a great success. ICMA-RC and NAGDCA remain committed to educating employers and employees about the growing importance of saving for retirement.

To learn more and become involved, click HERE

National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day (Oct 11)

Source: KIWI Magazine

Washington, D.C. - October 10, 2017 (The Stuff Gazette) -- On October 11, 2017, parents across the country will join their children in the cafeteria to learn about what goes into serving healthy lunches during KIWI's National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day.

The program, which is cosponsored by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), Whole Kids Foundation, and Moms Meet, takes place during National School Lunch Week. The event serves as a way to open the lines of communication between school administrators and parents regarding healthy lunches. Participating schools have the opportunity to showcase menus and provide parents with more information about school meals, gardens, and other initiatives related to healthy eating.

To raise awareness for the event, KIWI will be hosting a Twitter party on October 10, 2017 at 1 p.m. EST. Better-for-you brands like SunButter, Mrs. Thinster's, a2 Milk, and Perfect Bar will be joining the event to promote the importance of healthy lunch. Attendees will have a chance to win prizes from participating sponsors. To learn more, visit kiwimagonline.com/2017-Lunch-Day-Twitter-Party.